Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin, Ireland

I know I can’t be the only person who thinks of castles and history when Ireland comes to mind. In the city of Dublin there is said to only be one such castle hotel and that is Clontarf Castle Hotel. It is from the 12th century and when I got there I was excited about staying in a castle regardless of it being modernized. It is so beautiful and the staff were really great!

Location

As I stated before the Clontarf Castle Hotel dates back to the 12 century. Looking at the hotel the old and the new collide beautifully. Clontarf is 10 minutes from the Dublin city center. Public transportation is available, but taxis are very accessible and affordable. The Dublin airport is 5 miles away. The sea is not too far away and right near what they called the coast. You can walk along the water and enjoy on a nice day.

The Clontarf Castle Hotel is a luxury hotel. The current building standing dates back to 1837. With the hotel expanding many modern wings were added. It really is beautiful and once we pulled up to the castle an exciting feeling came about. Upon walking in there were two suits of armor and beautiful decor all around. There was also a television screen with information as well.

There were a lot of people in the lobby area trying to check in. No rooms were yet available, but the gentleman at the front desk happily took everyone’s luggage so that guests could do what they wanted in the meantime. We decided to visit their Fahrenheit Restaurant while we waited for our room. Although much of the food was gone because the buffet was almost over, we were able to get some food and enjoy the very cool atmosphere.

Once we were done eating, we began to roam around the lobby and outside area a bit. The gentleman and the front desk surprised and delighted us by letting us know our room was ready earlier than we expected. He also gave us a box of chocolate, which were delicious.

The hotel has a few different types of rooms and suites. We had a deluxe room with double beds. When I tell you I could have just stayed in the room for a couple of days and never left the castle, I really could have. The room was very inviting and modern. The colors were great and the bed was extremely comfortable.

The 55 inch flat screen television had plenty on it to watch while awake at random hours or when winding down for a moment. The room also had a table with a couple of comfy chairs, tea and coffee maker with everything needed, and a mini bar. There was also a couple of bottles of complimentary water. The shower was a great size and had two shower heads. I also liked how the outlets also included USB ports.

Complimentary wi-fi throughout the entire hotel. Works well. I never had an issue with it. There are also many different dining options. Fahrenheit Restaurant is where we dined for lunch and dinner. Reservations for dinner are suggested or you will have to wait till they have an opening. The Knights Bar (which was packed to the brim with nowhere to sit when I went) is a great place to get a pint of Guinness and bar food.

There is also a lounge that can be booked for private events. If I had the time to try, I would have loved to do afternoon tea in the atrium, by the beautiful fireplace. There is a very nice concierge area to help with any tours or places you may want to go.

Although not that big there is a fitness room on the premises. It was very clean and looked nice. Weddings are great to have heard as well. They have many different options including civil. There are many different spaces as well for business meetings and events. The hotel has also received the Green Hospitality Award Eco-Label.

Holly Dayz

I haven’t been there, but I will be in Ireland for the second time this fall. We are putting together things we want to do that we didn’t do last time so this might end up on the list. Thanks for sharing!

Holly Dayz

From your photos, I got exactly the same impression that you described in the beginning: the collision of the old and the new. I wonder if castles could feel what would they think about an elliptical bike or a phone?

Holly Dayz

How fun! A castle with all of the 21st Century amenities, one can’t go wrong with that, right? It’s good to know you had reliable wi-fi. Business travelers and the casual traveler all want that. And then there’s the food- dang, that looks kind of good!

Holly Dayz

Staying in a castle has always been the dream. Now that we are in Dublin, maybe we can give this a shot. Staying at such old properties gives me goosebumps. I remember how excited I was when I was in Edinburgh as I was staying near the South Bridge that happens to be centuries old. Love the pic of the atrium.

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HollyDayz

Born and raised in Queens, NY; Holly is a producer and writer with a Master's Degree in Producing for Film & Television who's wanderlust has led her across the globe sharing pictures, tips, and her experiences to fellow explorers.

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